PARENT SAY BACK IN THE 90s, MIDDLE CLASS CAN BUY 5 ROOM HDB, JAP’ CAR & GO EUROPE HOLIDAY

What is considered middle class in sg?

My parents told me a typical middle class family in sg in the 90s:

1. live in a 4/5 room HDB (but can’t afford anything more)
2. have 2 or 3 kids
3. can afford a japanese brand car (and again nothing more)
4. travels 1-2 times a year nearby asian countries for holidays for the whole family. If going anything further like Europe, aussie or japan, can do it once every 3-5 years
5. eats mostly at hawker centre/ coffee shop and occasionally at restaurants
6. almost never can afford branded stuff

Does this still apply today?

Netizens’ comments

1. Does not apply today for the following reasons:
   number of kids does not define the “class”, I know some in rented flat having 5-7 kids, and of course many now don’t have children
   car is not as “useful” as before since public transport is much more extensive now, not to mention sky-high COE
   Apple products are branded, most of us can afford at least a pair of Airpods, not to mention so many kids carrying iPhone, Macs
   Restaurants are not a big deal these days, there are budget ones where many family can go to at least once a week
   Personally I feel middle-class refers to those who can live rather rather comfortably (still with some stress), can survive without income for at least 3-6 months, may live in condo, don’t mind frequent hawker food, think twice/thrice when planning about vacations.
2. Middle class historically used to be the class where you have financial freedom and don’t really need to work to survive. Doctors and lawyers are typically included in this class. They are rich but not billionaire rich. Look at the uk. Previous uk pm Boris johnson and david cameron are worth millions of pounds in networth buy only considered upper middle class.
   Upper class includes the wealthy landowners and the aristocracy.
   The working class is where 95% of people used to belong to. If you have to work for a living, you are working class.
   But of course over the years the definition got twisted by politicians to make their electorate feel better. Now everyone is a middle class person.
3. Instead of lower/middle/upper class, I feel like the younger folks are now “economy” class:
   -BTO
   -0 or 1 kid
   -no car
   -travel at least once a year, be it Asia or Europe
   -hawkers, cafes, occasionally at restaurants
   -1 branded item
4. The ultimate flex of the 90s : being able to do all that on a SINGLE income.
5. I actually think this is more in between middle/upper middle.
   Middle class probably don’t have car but sometimes take taxi around.
   Travel 1 per year to Asian countries but unlikely to travel further.